SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Alanis is proud to announce that AB 1074 was signed by Governor Newsom. This bill will codify an agreement between California’s horse racing stakeholders during a period of transition to support continuing sustainable horse racing across the state.

“Horse racing has been an important part of California’s heritage since 1858,” said Assemblymember Alanis. “AB 1074 would have a significant impact on the state, and especially on rural districts like mine.”

Horse racing has existed in Northern California since 1858, when America’s oldest one-mile race track was built in Alameda County. In July, it was announced that Golden Gate Fields in Berkeley, CA would be permanently closing at the end of 2023, thus jeopardizing the future of racing in Northern California. AB 1074 will keep Golden Gate Fields open until July 1, 2024 and allow for monies generated in the North after that date to be split proportionally among racing associations and fairs in the Central and Southern zones when racing is not taking place in the North. 

California’s horseracing industry employs over 75,000 Californians, provides essential local tax revenue, and has long served as a national model for Equine safety.

“I want to thank the bill sponsor, California Authority of Racing Fairs, as well as Assemblymember Santiago and Senator Dodd for their support and efforts in helping pass this bill through the legislature,” stated the Assemblymember.

AB 1074 passed the Legislature unanimously and is Assemblymember Alanis’ third bill to be signed by the Governor this year. Alanis has two more bills sitting on the Governor’s desk awaiting decision.

Assemblymember Juan Alanis represents the 22nd Assembly District, which includes the communities of Modesto, Turlock, Ceres, Denair, Patterson, Gustine, Newman, Hilmar, Ballico, Snelling, Keyes, Grayson, Crows Landing, Diablo Grande, Stevinson, & Empire.